This summer's going to be a hot one, so skip the water pistol this year and break out the big guns! In this project, I'll be showing you how to build a water balloon shotgun—a high-powered water balloon launcher that's capable of firing 17 water balloons at the same time! Vide ...more
WonderHowTo is made up niche communities called Worlds. If you've yet to join one (or create your own), get a taste below of what's going on in the community. Check in every Wednesday for a roundup of new activities and projects. This week: A nostalgia-themed cell phone photo ...more
As I said in this earlier post, there's no easy way to explain or define the Steampunk aesthetic. There are a large number of Steampunk tropes or "cues", as I call them, that bring to mind the feeling of Steampunk. These cues combine to push past the "not-Steampunk" threshold ...more
Check out this video tutorial on how to make cheap dragon wings, controlled by body posture. You can do this project for $18 if you use plastic garbage bags and Scotch tape for the membranes. You'll see how to make very light and strong costume wings. How strong? That strong. ...more
This homemade hairspray-powered PVC rocket takes less than an hour to construct and only costs about 20 dollars to make. Check out my video below for the step-by-step instructions on building your own backyard rocket, and follow the written guide below for reference. Video: . ...more
This article will show you how to make a proportionally correct 1/187 (about) size Hubble Space Telescope. I tried to add as many details as possible, but it was hard at such a small size. It was really easy, but it did take a while to make. Here are some specs for the real H ...more
In this video series, landscaping expert Fernando Chavez teaches how to install a sprinkler system. He teaches what tools and materials are needed, how to design a sprinkler system, how to maneuver around cement, corners, and curves, how to lay sod, how to install sprinkler he ...more
One of the hardest, most intimidating parts of making your own Steampunk guns from scratch is the wooden stock of the gun. To be fair, it's probably the hardest part. It requires the most artistry, and is the easiest to mess up. So, I'm going to give you a guide to making you ...more
How to easily build a raised garden bed out of wooden pallets for free! …Well almost free. Building a raised vegetable garden with pallets or reclaimed wood is a really rewarding experience. The garden bed idea out of pallets came about from the fact that l wanted to build a r ...more
We see Steampunk props all the time and wonder where the maker found all their pieces. In fact, for some people it's almost like a game to examine each prop and see if they can name all of the original parts. However, for a newcomer (or a novice at prop-making), it may be rea ...more
Watch this video from This Old House to learn how to work with PVC pipe. Steps: 1 Cut PVC pipe with handsaw, then deburr the inside of pipe to remove any roughness. 2 Dry-assemble the pipe and fittings. 3 Use felt-tip marker to draw positioning lines across pipe and fittings. ...more
Learn how to make this spooky, amazing floating static orb. This is so simple, and so cool. It uses static electricity to make a tinsel orb levitate above a PVC pipe. We've gotten the orb to float for over 10 minutes. We just discovered you can use a regular balloon instead o ...more
In this video tutorial, you'll learn how to create a $30 steadicam for your Apple iPhone 4. The rig consists of a three-axis gimbal with a weight at the bottom. You'll require the following materials: A 2" PVC outer ring. A 1" PVC coupling ring. A 3/4" PVC pipe. A skateboard ...more
Nothing is more relaxing than the sound of moving water in the garden. Here's how to build a one-of-a-kind water feature in a weekend. How to: Step 1: Plumb the pot For this step, you'll need your decorative pot, a 1 3/4" by 1" barb fitting, a 1 3/4" PVC female adapter, plumb ...more
These are simple instructions on how to construct a PVC didgeridoo. You must work in a well ventilated area as you are dealing with heat and PVC fumes. You need a heat gun, pipe clamp, screwdriver, pipe cutter, dremel, PVC pipe, buffing bit and bucket of water. This is a detai ...more
Poke, jab, and stab your opponent without taking out an eye. You Will Need * 1/2-inch PVC pipe * A hacksaw * Measuring tape * Sandpaper * Gray duct tape * A swim noodle * A razor blade * 100% silicon caulk * A caulk gun * Open cell foam * Electrical tape * Cellophane (optional ...more
If you need a dolly for your movie masterpiece, you don't need to go with a professional dolly system. You can save that money for your expensive actors and actresses by building your own DIY camera dolly on the cheap. You'll need some nuts and bolts, PVC pipes, scrap wood, dr ...more
This is a step-by-step instructional on how to make a potato gun, otherwise known as the spud gun, potato launcher, potato cannon, etc. Although this can be a fun activity, it is still dangerous, just like a real weapon. The tools needed for this spud cannon are a drill, saw, ...more
What more to say? It's a light saber! You will need need 1 1/4 inch PVC pipe, a dremel, a drill, a hot glue gun, a riveter, some rivets, a 12 inch metal pipe, a brass nut, a beveled rubber washer, a one inch thumb screw, a rubber door sealer and some hardware. Construct a real ...more
This tutorial shows you a very basic method to create an effective boffer sword using PVC pipe, a foam noodle, duct tape and some open-cell foam for a stabbing-safe tip. You're also shown a good method for constructing the hilt. This is a great tutorial for anyone looking to m ...more
So, for this video you're gonna get a cool twofer! Are you making a cop movie? Or maybe a Sci-Fi military movie? Check out this awesome video, in it, you will learn how to make your own DIY grenades with some PVC pipe and also how to make those silver flying spheres from the P ...more
Real rockets require top ingenuity from physics and engineering experts, but you can construct a smaller replica that costs almost nothing can can be made from materials you already have at home or can find at a hardware store. Watch this video to learn how to create a soda b ...more
Have you ever wanted to launch your own rocket? Well, now you can, with little more than a two liter soda bottle, wire hangers, a bicycle pump and some PVC pipe Build a soda bottle water rocket. Click through to watch this video on pbs.org
In this tutorial, we learn how to make simple special effects for movies. First, you will need to set up a ladder that's tall enough to make the rail look like it's falling down naturally. Make sure the rain is hitting all around the person or you have sealed off an area. Make ...more
artjewelrymag teaches you how to use a liver of sulfur solution to create a patina. First, be sure to wear protective gloves and eye gear. Be sure to perform this operation in a well-ventilated area because sulfur smells like rotten eggs. To get started, add a few small pieces ...more
The Knights of Gray... um... The Pirate Guild? Bored of being indoors? Well, see what PVC pipe, duct tape, and foam insulation, otherwise known as a boffer weapon, can do for you. In this video tutorial, you'll learn all about what a boffer exactly is and what you can and ca ...more
Okay, you're ready to go out and kick some serious ass with you boffer? But wait... you don't even know what a boffer is? This video tutorial from the Knights of Gray will give you the information to succeed, even if you are a LARPer. A boffer sword is PVC pipe, foam insulat ...more
Can't afford a camera dolly? Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to make your own low budget camera dolly. The materials you'll need to construct this dolly are: -2x(2'x3') 12mm Chipboard -2x1m (2"x2") angled aluminum rail -16x51mm Skateboard wheels -16x8mm S ...more
Watch this video from This Old House to learn how to install a utility sink. Steps: 1. Turn off water 2. Cut section from existing drain pipe and install a new Wye-fitting 3. Assemble PVC pipe and fittings for new drain/vent system 4. Glue drain/vent system to existing vent s ...more
All you LARPers out there, watch and see how you can make a blue boffer sword for LARPing. This weapon passes all weapons specs as of Ragnarok XXI War Council for Eryndor. To start making this Eryndor blue sword, you'll need some PVC pipe, DAP, electrical tape, duct tape, blu ...more
Need some smooth pan shots for your indie film? How about a cool dolly zoom effect? Well, you don't need to be a professional filmmaker to use such a device, but you do need the money for the gear. But—if you can work your way around the workshop, you can probably build your o ...more
Build a track dolly for about £80. This is great for getting professional dolly shots when making your own films. Total dolly size = 2ft wide x 3ft long. Type of pipe used for track = 32mm pvc. Angle aluminum width = 2in x 2in at 3mm thick. NOTE: Angle aluminum is a lot easi ...more
MAKE and Kipkay brings the do-it-yourself mindset to all the technology in your life. Make Magazine celebrates your right to tweak, hack, and bend any technology to your own will. In this video tutorial episode of Weekend Projects with Kipkay, you'll learn how to build a one- ...more
This video from Basement Watchdog will help you with cutting and gluing the PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) pipes for their sump pump systems (backup or primary or combo), but this video also applies to all applications where PVC conduit is needed. Learn how to saw a pipe in a straig ...more
Watch this video tutorial to see how to create a giant spider web with rope and bolts. To make this giant Halloween spider web effect, you'll need a bunch of rope, a frame and 24 eye bolts. You can use this technique to weave a spider web at any scale, as long as you have an e ...more
If shaky home videos are making your audience seasick, it's time to steady your hand. Watch this video to learn how to make a camcorder stabilizer. Step 1. Begin building bottom Attach two 45-degree elbow connectors to either end of a 6-inch PVC pipe. This will be the bottom ...more
In this video, we learn how to build your own stomp rocket out of household materials. Materials you will need are: plastic bottles, bicycle inner tube, 2 feet PVC pipe, duct tape, masking tape, and file folders or card stock. Now, take your PVC pipe and roll paper around it a ...more
You can learn how to make a rumble pipe sound effect machine and you need to cut a pvc pipe to seven inches. Glue a piece of drum skin to the end of the pvc pipe and then check it out. Video is brought to you by KipKay. Make a rumble pipe sound effect machine. Click through to ...more
You can make your own canopy for your boat and save hundreds of dollars from the store bought ones. You’ll need 1 inch pvc pipe, some nuts and bolts and you‘re set. You’ll set you’re canopy off of some swivel brackets that secure on the pvc pipe with 2 inch screws. This video ...more
In this tutorial, we learn how to make movie rain without getting wet. First, you will need to get a garden hose that has a spout on it and few pieces of PVC pipe. Connect the pieces of PVC pipe together, then stick the head of the hose to the pipe. Keep in mind that you will ...more
Follow along as Josh Gardner gives us step by step instructions on how to build a punching bag from trash. -First, cut out a foot of plywood (in a circle). -Attach the PVC pipe to the plywood. -Then begin to roll the PVC pipe with foam, and continue rolling until all of the f ...more
This video shows you how to make your very own water filter. 1. 20mm PVC pipe for upper section larger debris. 2. Small wad synthetic fiber inside the pipe as a pre-filter. 3. Another 20mm PVC pipe filled with charcoal pellets inside. 4. A coupler is between the two pipes wit ...more
In order to make a catfish jug, you will need the following: an empty jug (or 20 oz. soda pop bottle), a1" PVC pipe, eyelet screws, a 6" piece of rebar, hot glue, swimming noodle, fishing line, a sinker, and a circle hook. Clean an empty bottle. Place the rebar inside of the ...more
In this video, Danny Lipford will show you how to make a punching bag with trash found at a construction site. First, a circle of plywood is cut out about one foot in diameter (in this video, a bucket is traced in pencil over the plywood). This is for the base of the punching ...more
Feeling a bit like Bonnie or Clyde, without the reckless disregard for human life? This mini machine gun is a great prop for Halloween or a homemade action movie. You will need a joystick, pipe, cardboard, a small box, PVC pipe, a cylindrical box, a hot glue gun, a sharp knife ...more
Traditional Aboriginal didgeridoos are made from trees that have been hollowed out by termites. Finishing work to smooth out surfaces and decorate the didgeridoo would soon follow. Lucky for you, you don't have to spend lots of money or find a hollowed out tree to create a did ...more
Watch this video from This Old House to learn how to install a sump pump. Steps: 1 Set sump basin upside down on basement floor; mark its outline on floor. 2 Use demolition hammer to chop through concrete floor. 3 Dig hole deep enough to set basin flush with floor. 4 Wrap the ...more
Tim Carter of AsktheBuilder.com demonstrates how to get a leak free fit for plumbing when using PVC pipe and fittings with primer and PVC cement.
I know it seems a little redundant to post this when I've already posted a video, but it is kind of hard to get more than a vague idea from the video alone. I hope this sheds a little more light on the subject. I'm sure it also seems like I'm beating this idea to death, but th ...more
You can make a rocket at home using these items found around the house. Icing sugar, measuring tape, a PVC pipe, black marker, hammer, flat headed bolt around 18 millimeters wide , mortar and pestle, drill, drill bit size 5 millimeter, potassium nitrate and kitty litter. You ...more
A whole is drilled into the cap of a barrel with a 3 1/4 inch bit and another one an inch or more below the top and one of 3 inches width on the next side. Spreaded adapters ends are wrapped with plumbers tape; to prevent water leaks. The ends are then screwed together and pla ...more
This is definitely the work of a Trekkie. Reddit user ModXMV shared the below image of his uncle's new homemade Star Trek mailbox. It's constructed of different-sized PVC pipe, a plastic dish container, wood, lights, etc. It even has a solar panel attached so it can light up ...more
Here is my entry for this weeks giveaway Tuesdays. It is my home made potato cannon rev2. The next step is to spray paint it so the purple isn't showing and to fix the valve. It was originally all 1inch PVC pipe but i cut the chamber and barrel off and made it 2inch PVC for bi ...more
WOO! These people take beautiful design to ridiculous extremes, taking PVC pipe, sheet and cloth to previously unexplored heights. This is a must-see for people who are in the PVC and design worlds.
These guys take found item recycling to the max. This isn't exactly the most useful application for recycling, but if the stuff is going to be around for the next couple of thousand years, it might as well look cool. These guys use polystyrene cups, PVC pipe and cereal boxes ...more
Theo Jansen is really cool. If you dig around in the corkboard here, you can find another video about him. He makes amazing kinetic sculptures from PVC pipe, and has a wonderful artistic point of view. I just discovered this old TEDTalks podcast via Taylor Browning's site. Fan ...more
With some PVC Pipe and little mesh, you too can have backyard chickens!
This is an in-depth tutorial page that teaches flute making theory and shows how to make several different (they have freakin' tables of information and dimensions) flutes from ordinary PVC pipe.
Not only am I not the only one, but I'm not the only one saying I'm not the only one! This is the open submission page at pvcworkshop.com, so these are pictures from all sorts of people who have the same, er, affinity towards PVC pipe. It's almost like a support group for ena ...more
This is what happens when grad students start playing with PVC pipe. This stuff is really cool for prototype robotics applications. This article is a how-we-did-it as opposed to a how-to, but if you've got all of the crazy instrumentation and software that they do, you can sta ...more